Alexz Johnson

Alexz Johnson
Song Review: Shout

"Shout" isn't a single from Alexz's new CD coming this fall, but it definitely deserves to be posted here. I am 100% blown away by the... uniqueness and skills this girl has, and anyone with an ear for music cannot deny this.

I acquired the demo for this song almost a year ago, and didn't particularly like the song. However, today, after listening to the full-produced-leaked version, I immediately pronounced it as one of my favorites. This song is full of passion and instruments and talent, and it's something everyone should get a chance to hear.

Alexz was recently dropped from her contract with the label Epic Records, meaning her cd of 10 songs has been put behind their vaults. Have no fear though, Freshly Unique will give you access to *most* of these songs very soon :D For now, here is Shout.

Btwwsss- Thanks to Joe for that exclusive pic :) alexzworld.com

-Alex

Author's Rating
----------------------------

Ten out of effing ten


-Get Song Download-


>Alexz Johnson - Shout<

Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy
Music Video Review: What A Catch, Donnie

To start off, we all know just about everyone who visits this site hates them. Granted, they're way too popular and it's gotten to their heads. Orr to you, their music just sucks. To me, I hear the voice I've listened to for four years. What A Catch, Donnie is off of their most recent album, Folie á Deux, meaning "a madness shared by two". What they meant by this, we'll never know, but they managed to keep the wondrous, catchy lyrics.

In the What A Catch, Donnie music video, it pretty much revolves around Patrick Stump, the lead singer. Most of their previous music videos showed the band's most favored and attractive member, Pete Wentz, but this time, we only see him once. The music video starts off with Patrick on his boat, doing the regular things that capitains do. The scenes switch back and forth from Patrick cooking or reading to him singing and playing on his piano. At one point, he hears something on the deck and sees a seagull stuck in some rope. Patrick helps it and the seagull decides to stick around. After a few minutes of the seagull and Patrick bonding time, he decides to go fishing and picks up various items that were in past videos. Then, he discovers a sinking ship and rescue boats rowing his way. He helps everyone out of the boats and among the desperate passengers are Brenden Urie, Joe Trohman, and Andy Hurley. On the sinking boat resides Pete Wentz, going down with his ship.

Now, the song itself is one of beauty. The song is catchy and the lyrics are clever. The first line says "I got troubled thoughts and the self-esteem to match," which explains most of us. The song continues different, but relevant thoughts. Towards the end, they came up with a brilliant idea. They brought in Elvis Costello, Gabe Saporta, from Cobra Starship, Travis McCoy, from Gym Class Heroes, Brendon Urie, from Panic At The Disco, Doug Does, Alex DeLeon, from The Cab, and William Beckett, from The Academy Is..., to do their own little solos. All of these amazing artists sang parts of Fall Out Boy's previous songs, such as Thanks For The Memories, Dance, Dance, and Grand Theft Autumn (Where Is Your Boy). Patrick's voice mixed with those spectacular singers produced one of my favorite Fall Out Boy songs and one of the most brilliant, original ideas I've seen from them in a while. Watch, listen, and decided for yourself what you think about it.

-Sarahh

Fyi, there might a commercial before hand, but enjoy. :)

Author's Rating
----------------------------

Vocals - 10/10
Musicianship - 8/10
Lyrics -9/10
Production - 6/10
Creativity - 7.5/10
Replay Value - 8/10
Fr3shly Uniqu3 Rating - 8/10

Right now, the only album we have for Fall Out Boy is Infinity On High, but you can download it HERE.

SAOSIN - “CHANGING”

Saosin
Single Review: "Changing"

Finally, some new Saosin, not only am I stoked for their new album 'In Search Of Solid Ground', but I'll admit I was worried that their new music wouldn't stand any chance to compare in awesomeness to their old Self-Titled album. Listen for yourself, this new song "Changing" has just shut me up, proved me wrong, and got me SUPER excited for the debut of their new album!

DOWNLOAD: SAOSIN - “CHANGING”

-Jamez

Author's Rating
----------------------------

Vocals - 9/10
Musicianship - 8/10
Lyrics - 7/10
Production - 10/10
Creativity - 10/10
Replay Value - 9/10
Fr3shly Uniqu3 Rating - 9/10

Interview

This is a interview from Escape The Fate drummer Robert Ortiz at the St. Pete Warped Tour, he stopped to chat with Tiffany Mink the Pit Reporter for Warped tour, they ask him some questions about his upcoming tour with Atreyu and Hollywood Undead, his not so guilty pleasures in music, and other questions about a new album from Escape the Fate. Even though hungover he tells us how he's been enjoying Florida give it a listen!
-Drew

Listen Below;

Toxic Valentine

All Time Low
Single Review: Toxic Valentine


A new song from All Time Low? I don't know why, but this song is better than their whole album Nothing Personal, but then again I HATE that album ;) listen for yourself:

Click Play^

Mediafire:
DOWNLOAD: ALL TIME LOW - “TOXIC VALENTINE”
Megaupload:
DOWNLOAD: ALL TIME LOW - “TOXIC VALENTINE”

-JAMEZ

Author's Rating
----------------------------

Vocals - 8/10
Musicianship - 6/10
Lyrics - 10/10
Production - 11/10 <- Over Produced... (what a surprise)
Creativity - 8/10
Replay Value - 9/10
Fr3shly Uniqu3 Rating - 8/10

The Terminal

The Terminal
Movie Review: Starring Tom Hanks
Genre - Romantic Comedy

Viktor Narvoski played by Tom Hanks is a man from some estranged Eastern European country. And poor Viktor on his journey to America lands in New York City to find that his country is in the middle of a coup<- It's French... And pretty much his country no longer is a country and therefore all his information including his passport and tickets, all of them are null and void.

American border security won't allow him to enter the country, and he can't fly back because his country has suspended all incoming air traffic, so literally he's fallen through a tiny crack in the system.

So for 9 months he LIVES in the airport, the movie explains in detail why, and how, but the movie is so enjoyable Viktor is such a nice guy, he speaks very little English and yet during his stay adapts to life in the airport and keeps not only his compassion as a man, but his integrity slowly making friends with all the airport employees and affecting their lives in many ways. The writing in this movie is truly fantastic, and really a fantastic acting job is done by Tom Hanks. This is a movie you really need to see if you're lacking a sense of compassion in your life, because it's beautiful to see this man and all he does, how he adapts to America and all that it brings him, and how a promise can bring a man to do incredible, and bear unbearable things.

Heart-warming movie, I wanna watch it again right now!

-JAMEZ

Author's Rating
----------------------------

9/10

G.I JOE

Movie Review: G.I. Joe

So, this movie had a strange courtship with me. The trailer during the Super Bowl: awesome looking. Trailer after that: eh, kinda dumb. The latest one I saw: brilliant. So I thought, yeah I'll spend the money on a ticket. I get all settled in the theater (which had a nice digital screen) and I was happy. Big screen, comfy chair, now all needed was a good movie.

The film started playing, and I have to say, I was very pleased with it. Yeah, its a summer action movie, so I expected minimal plot. Somehow they managed to throw one in. Strange. And seeing as its a summer action flick, there were gun battles and explosions. But there's more! Ninja fights, girl fights, little kid wanna-be-ninjas fights, and a submarine fight that feels like a spaceship fight. Awesome.

The villians of the movie all are pretty good actors, and give believable performances. Not that the Joe's were bad, but some felt a little one sided. Overall the film just what you look for in a summer movie. Fighting, explosions, awesome. Strangely its smarter than most summer flicks, but still, its not too deep. So if you're looking for a thinker, avoid this movie. But if you just want some good entertainment, look no further. Its worth the money.

-Authors Rating-
--------------------
8/10

Warehouse 13

Warehouse 13
TV Series Review: Just when you thought there was nothing interesting on TV

We've said it a million times: 200 channels and nothing good to watch! Well Tuesdays at 9 PM there is something good to watch. Go check out Warehouse 13.

Warehouse 13 is a science fiction series which premiered on July 7, 2009 on the SyFy channel. It's premise is that the world is full of objects, relics and artifacts that have supernatural powers and that, for the greater good, the Government seeks these thing out and stores them in Warehouse 13. The fun and adventure is in seeking out the objects,

The storylines are imaginative and creative. The gadgets and gimmicks are fantastic, without being overbearing. There is a good balance of humor and drama, with a leaning towards the former. The acting is pretty good too. And while there is plenty of use of CG and other effects, the stories still allow for the character development and interaction of the main protagonists. All without being too deep or complex. Good imaginative, creative entertainment. Plain and simple.

The list of production credits is pretty impressive with writers and producers having been involved in hit projects like Battlestar Galactica, Burn Notice, Monk and Rescue Me, among others.

So the next time you are channel surfing for something to watch, check out Warehouse 13. You'll be pleasantly surprised...

-Gus

Author's Rating
----------------------------

8 out of 10

-Check out some Episodes at Hulu.com-

Bandslam

Movie Review: Bandslam

Because my friend Paul is BFF with Walden Media, he got free tickets for the movie Bandslam before it came out. He took a few of us, and I expected the worst. Kids movie based at high school with music and ? I thought it was going to be High School Musical all over again. I was pleasantly surprised.

The story centers around Will, an outcast with a ton of musical knowledge, who moves to New Jersey and suddenly falls in with an equally outcast girl named Sa5m (5 is silent) and an ex cheerleader named Charolette starting her own band. He quickly becomes Charolette's manager and friend. So Will helps her build up her band with fellow outcasts for "Bandslam", a regional battle of the bands. All while pursuing the affections of Sa5m.

Its sort of hard to define the film, as its a musical, drama, comedy, and romance (romusical dramedy?). It was a good blend of each and the movie was better for it, as it didn't try to force moments on you. Yeah, there were some cheesy moments, but what movie doesn't? The acting was pretty solid and Lisa Kudrow (of Friends) was absolutely brilliant. Very surprisingly, Vanessa Hudgens was a good actress. I hated her in High School Musical, but she was used sparingly, just enough that it didn't become the Vanessa show. Her character was pretty interesting, and wasn't forced into situations she wasn't called for.

Plus, there was some good music during the movie. The battle of the band scene was really cool, with some pretty talented people contributing. Overall it was pretty fun movie, a rare gem in the crap that is the teenage movie genre. Bandslam comes out August 14th. Go see it.

-Authors Rating-
------------------
8/10

Oceans 11, 12 and 13

Oceans 11, 12 and 13
Movie Review: Oceans 11, 12 and 13

I obviously haven't written any reviews lately, mostly because I've been unable to get to a computer and because I'm at my dad's house. Speaking of my dad, he is IN LOVE with these movies. I've seen them all hundreds of times. Now, why am I writing a review on something I've seen a million times? Mainly because these movies are a work of art and not that Ocean's 11 is based on a true story, people do think like this. Ocean's 11 begins with Danny Ocean, George Clooney , getting out of jail and ready to create a plot against the man, Terry Benedict, who has a great interest in his ex-wife. He also happens to own three casinos, The Bellagio, the Mirage and the MGM Grand. Danny along with Rusty Ryan, played by Brad Pitt, make a plan to steal the money from these casinos simultaneously and find eleven professionals to take these casinos down with them.


Danny and Rusty are so quick minded that they can finish each others' sentences without speaking and be on the exact same page. It's interesting to watch, but it slowly wilts away with the next movie. The movie is fantastically written and the cast includes Julia Roberts, Matt Damon and Bernie Mack. I believe the cast was entirely perfect for the whole "thief" theme they aimed for.


The two movies following Ocean's 11 grow less and less fascinating. But I will admit, Ocean's 12 happens to be my favorite movie because they run all over Europe and Catherine Zeta-Jones plays the ex-lover of Rusty, but also she's the cop assigned to crack the case Ocean and his eleven are involved with. Ocean's 13 is similar to Ocean's 11, but they're only after one casino and instead of Terry Benedict, it's Willy Bank, played by Al Pacino. I will have to say that Ocean's 13 is my least favorite because it's certainly not as good as Ocean's 11. All three Ocean's movies are amazing to watch and for watching these movies a bunch of times, I'll tell you, they never get old. There's twists you'd never see coming, clever thinking, mastermind planning and a good reason behind the crime. You at least have to watch Ocean's 11 and give it a try. I'm sure you'll find that their brilliant heist is no ordinary corner store robbery.

-Sarahh

Author's Rating
----------------------------
9/10

Farewell

Farewell
Single Review: “Devoid” (That's What I Think About It)

Farewells new single's called: Devoid (That's What I Think About It) she's some pretty serious light on the real talent of this band. Their debut album 'Isn't This Suppose To Be Fun' really stood out in the scum filled clone scene of Pop-Punk bands. So with their new sophomore album on it's way September 1st of 2009, the question on everyone's mind is will they stick to their old sound that worked so well for them or will they push the envelope and go for something different?

Now that answer has become apparent in their new single, the song really is catchy as hell, like all their songs it carried a little pop, a little punk, and a rock and the blend is always satisfying. I seriously would be on the look out for this band, I'd put money that their next album is going to be awesome!

TRY SONG: FAREWELL - Devoid (That's What I Think About)
If you click the link in the review you'll be sent to their first album ;-)

-Jamez

Author's Rating (On Their New Single)
----------------------------

Vocals - 8/10
Musicianship - 8/10
Lyrics - 7/10
Production - 9/10
Creativity - 6/10
Replay Value - 9/10
Fr3shly Uniqu3 Rating - 8/10

All Time Low - MTV Unplugged

All Time Low + Kate Voegelle
Live Review: MTV Unplugged

So first off, I did not listen to the whole 'MTV Unplugged' set with ATL. I don't think I could muster the attention it would take. But two things prompted me to listen to at least one of the songs. During the MTV Unplugged set, Kate Voegelle joins in to help sing All Time Low's song, "Remembering Sunday". One I like this song a lot, probably my favorite ATL song. and Kate Voegelle is an interesting choice for backup vocals on the song because in the original version, Juliette Sims from Automatic Loveletter sings instead. It was nice and refreshing to hear the song acoustic, and to hear Kate Voegelle's voice in the mix. So two thumbs up for this song for sure.

TRY SONG: ALL TIME LOW + KATE VOEGELLE - 'REMEMBERING SUNDAY'
& Also Try:
TRY EP: AUTOMATIC LOVELETTER - SELF-TITLED EP
TRY EP: AUTOMATIC LOVELETTER - RECOVERY

-Jamez

Author's Rating
----------------------------

Vocals - 9/10
Musicianship - 7/10
Lyrics - 10/10
Production - 5/10
Creativity - 6/10
Replay Value - 6/10
Fr3shly Uniqu3 Rating - 7/10

-Get Album Download-



>ALL TIME LOW - MTV UNPLUGGED<

Instant Star

Instant Star
Television Review: Instant Star

Let me start off this review by saying that I remember exactly what day Instant Star first aired, where I was, and how I responded. It may sound a bit fanatic, and it possibly is, but Instant Star has been my favorite show since then, even after it was cancelled last year.

Centering around character, Jude Harrison, Instant Star was created to develop what happens after a contestant wins a competition such as American Idol, or in this case, Instant Star. Each episode would feature a new song, sung, for the most part, by the actress, Alexz Johnson, who played Jude.

As the seasons progress, Jude tries her hardest not to fall too hard for her producer, Tommy, and to not give in to her record label’s demands, but to stay true to herself, as a musical artist and as a person.

Most people have never heard of Alexz Johnson, but in the minds of the people who have heard her sing, she is much better than most of the artists you would find on the radio. While the music featured on Instant Star may not be for everyone, there is no denying that the voice behind the lyrics isn’t powerful.

It’s a special thing that happens when you can watch the same episodes over and over and still feel the same excitement you did when you first saw the episode. Everyone has a show that does this for them, and Instant Star is that show for me.

A combination of music, heart, and emotion make Instant Star’s basic premise, but without Alexz Johnson, I don’t believe the show could have survived as long as it did, four seasons. Many of the fans are eagerly awaiting the actress’/singer’s/songwriter’s first album, due out in September, and while, from the songs I’ve heard, it is a complete 180 from Jude’s music, it’s still enjoyable with the same amazing vocals.

Instant Star has been cancelled, and currently doesn’t even air in the United States, but that doesn’t mean its fans have “left the building also”, which is why a new cd, Instant Star: Greatest Hits, comes out in September also. Seasons 1 and 2 have been put on DVD already, with the final 2 coming out soon. Cds have also been put out for each of the seasons, featuring the full-lengthed songs from each episode.


Freshly Unique will soon host all 4 seasons so look for them to come soon :)

Songs From Instant Star Discography

-Alex

Author's Rating
----------------------------

10/10


FRESHLY EXCLUSIVE

Instant Star: Greatest Hits (Concept Art)



and please, if you take this image, CREDIT US. I've found it on over 5 sites already :|

Red Eye

Red Eye, released in 2005, is getting to be an oldie, but is still a goody. I've seen this movie countless times, but somehow it keeps on drawing back my attention time after time.

The movie begins when Lisa, played by Rachel McAdams, is on an overnight flight to Miami where she quickly discovers that the person on the plane seated next to her is planning to use her to execute an assassination. Her scheming seatmate, played by Cillian Murphy, is a creeper who has been stalking her for quite a while now and knows her probably better than the back of his own hand. As the flight goes on she's fighting harder and harder to try and save the targets and avoid other potential victims, before it's too late.

This film is definitely one of my all-time favorite thrillers. With some butt kicking stabs with pens and heels and high-tension scenes this movie was one of the few movies that could absorb so much of my attention and keep me enraptured the entire duration of the movie.

The fact that it also includes the amazing Rachel McAdams and Cillian Murphy, especially after seeing the first redone Batman movie I just couldn't get enough of him, but these factors definitely increase the awesome factor to this movie.

During this entire cinematography delight, McAdams excellently plays her character very convincingly. When she was making up excuses on the phone to her oh so very ditzy friend it seemed like she was definitely making them up for the first time, like they weren't written on a script beforehand and her facial expressions were so perfect.

Hey, we can't forget about Murphy here though, he plays such a great villain. It always makes me squirm when he's on screen, especially in this movie where he plays the B.A., super freaky, know-it-all, plotter. It disturbs me so much in the fact that he gets into the character Lisa's mind. Although that seems to be his expertise, seeing as he played a similar role in Batman Begins. Either way, Murphy does not fail to impress in Red Eye.

All in all this movie is not necessarily on my top 10 movies list, but it is a fabulous one that I think everyone should see, at least once.

-Michelle

Author's Rating
----------------------------

8/10

What Not To Wear

Now I bet you're looking at this wondering what the hell's going on, but be sure, you're chains not being pulled. YES I'm reviewing this T.V show.

I've been bored many a summer day and marathons of TLC's 'What Not To Wear' have been playing. Now if you were to ask me why I decided to watch this show out of the countless others out on cable. Well the answer is, the show somehow grabbed me.

Now firstly, you have to understand the whole point of the show. Either family members, friends, or loved ones, write into TLC and tell the sad tale about how their loved one dresses like a ruck sack after the Vietnam War. So Stacey and Clinton see the BIG PICTURE ABOVE, they go steal all the person for the episodes clothes and pretty much throw them all out. Then they give them 5 thousand dollars, fly them to New York City, with a list of DO's and DON'Ts for shopping and dressing yourself and we the viewer watches with gleeful anticipation as the people on the show really do NOT get it...

What I enjoy most about the show is honestly is the hosts Stacey and Clinton, they REALLLY bash hard on the people who can't dress it's so funny, some of the jokes they make are truly insulting and it's really funny.

But once the clothing is sorted and the person is looking somewhat decent they get a make over! New hair style, and professionally done make up and all throughout the process of this total makeover they are teaching the person what to do. And they really do learn a lot from the people on the show.

Now the above for me isn't enough to make me watch such an un-masculine show. SO i'll tell you what moves me to make me watch this show, and follow the new episodes and what not. The people they choose for the show have real issues, for some reason they've put themselves into the rut of letting their cloths really define the way their co-workers and family see and interact with them. They have some really decent looking people that are hidden under ungly cloths or having letting themself go, and the show really brings the real them back out for all of us to see, an the transformation we see on screen, and the transformation they feel inside is what makes this show one of my guilty-pleasures. Hate all you want, but I enjoy this show.

-Jamez

Overall Show Rating:
8/10

Fired Up! Review

Fired Up!
Movie Review: Fired Up!

Now, I'm not usually into any movie revolving around cheering, but this movie was surprisingly clever and well cast. The movie began with two high school guys, Nicholas D'Agosto and Eric Christian Olsen, just wanting to get laid...by every seemingly attractive girl possible. They knew exactly what stories to tell, lines to drop and wing man etiquette. School was coming to an end and they were supposed to go to a football camp in Texas. After one of their games, they attended a bonfire, where they over heard cheerleaders talking about cheer camp in the prospect of three hundred cheer leaders that could "do it better".

Using witty words and well played manipulation, they snake their way into the camp. What would've been two weeks of new conquests and another week of partying at a friends' house, turned into two weeks of hooking up, finding yourself and a final week of hardcore, claws-out competition.

The whole movie is filled with irony, stupidity, sexual innuendos, cunning words and how high school is more than just sexual escapades. It's not one of my top five favorite movies, but it's probably number seven or eight. Overall, it's just plain funny and you have to watch it.

-Sarahh

Author's Rating
----------------------------

8/10

New Singles

$ingles Breakdown

1. Good Girls Go Bad - Cobra Starship: Their new single from their upcoming album Hot Mess is the usual Cobra Starship. Some cool beats, lyrics about being in sexy situations. Considering the muisc that Fr3shly Unique features, it may seem out of place, but its oddly appealing. 4/5 Cool dance beats
Download: 'Good Girls Go Bad' - Cobra Starship
Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGqUYuMuGPQ&feature=related

2. On My Way - Billy Boy On Poison: Their new album came out early July, but came to my attention through iTunes free single of the week. Unlike most free singles, this one doesn't suck. Its got a throw back feel, to the punk rock scene of the late 70's. Some of the screams didn't agree with me at first, but after listening a second time, the song really grew on me. 4.5/5 Sweet guitar riffs
Download: 'On My Way' - Billy Boy On Posion
Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU2C4wYgDxA




3. New Perspective - Panic! at the Disco: The ! is back, but Ryan and Jon are gone. The remaining boys (Brendon and Spencer) are still making music, and good music at that. This song is neither the rushed, electronic feel of A Fever You Can't Sweat Out or the laid back, Beatles-ish sound of Pretty. Odd. Once again their style has changed, now to sound, somewhere in between the pop of AFYCSO and the baroque sound of P.O. 5/5 exclamation points
Download: 'New Perspective' - Panic! At The Disco
Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebeKZGsadUU




4. Change - The Young Veins: So Ryan and Jon have worked past post breakup depression and are all ready onto a new band. And they made a mistake. The song was bearable, but not good. Brendon was always a better singer, and the vocals sound forced to keep up with music. Maybe R&J would have faired better with their old buddies. 2/5 Acts of changing from this song to a better one.
Download: 'Change' - The Young Veins
Video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwTsnIoe55g&feature=related

So if you liked these singles, you're in luck. Cobra Starship's Hot Mess comes out August 11, Billy Boy On Poison's c.d. is already out, Panic! at the Disco is recording, and I didn't even bother checking on The Young Veins. Happy listening, kiddos.


- Dan O

You, Me and Everyone We Know

You, Me and Everyone We Know
EP Review: Party for the Grown and Sexy

From the first minute I listened to them, I was in love. I'm not completely used to clever lyrics such as these, but it hooked me. The combination of voices and instruments is close to perfection and the lyrics are just brilliant. Their songs are mostly about relationships, in general, but some of the words don't exactly make sense. If you actually think about the meaning of the lyrics, you'll understand.

Their EP begins with "Livin' Th' Dream" and end with "Carolina Heat". My personal favorite is "The Rent Is Due". The entire EP revolves around catchy tunes and witty words. Each song has a different mood, I guess, as well as tone and beat. "Carolina Heat" is mostly acoustic, while "Do It Again! You're Not Making Me Want to Touch You!" involves back up singers, guitar players and a drummer. Duh, I know, but you can actually hear the strum of the guitar as well as the bass of the drum. Another one of my favorites is "...Because I Spit Hot Fire", which is one of the slower songs.

Sadly, they only have two EPs out, no actual albums. But maybe it's because of their popularity? Who knows. I know I keep ranting about how amazing they are, but I just love their cunning lyrics. You, Me and Everyone We Know is actually not like any band I've heard before. So, I can't give you a better description of how they sound. Try them out for yourself. :)

-Sarahh

Author's Rating
----------------------------

Vocals - 10/10
Musicianship - 8.7/10
Lyrics -9/10
Production - 7/10
Creativity - 9/10
Replay Value - 10/10
Fr3shly Uniqu3 Rating - 10/10

-Get Album Download-



>You, Me and Everyone We Know - Party for the Grown and Sexy<

The Dangerous Summer

The Dangerous Summer

Album Review: Reach For The Sun

I have a habit of listening to my new favorite bands a lot, but never as much as with The Dangerous Summer. Its only been a few days, and I'm already waiting for album #2. The band has some great instrumental talent, with some pretty killer bass (I'm a sucker for some bass). AJ Perdomo, the lead singer, has an amazing voice that matches with the music greatly. The songs can seem similar at times, but when the formula works it doesn't detract from the album.

This album is one of those rare albums that has an appeal for most people with out giving the feeling that the band is selling out for the masses. The lyrics show the struggle in life, but without being depressing. There is a sense of maturity in the lyrics, which is a shining light through the storm of senseless crap that seems to dominate the radio and iTunes (yeah, I'm calling you out Black Eyed Peas).

Song breakdown

1. Where I Want to Be: 9/10 Good opening song, catchy tune.

2. Settle Down: 9/10 Instruments sound good, chorus es muy bueno.

3. Weathered: 8/10 Sounds good, but not a very strong opening for the song.

4. Symmetry: 9/10 "And I let you down..." No you didn't, The Dangerous Summer.

5. Surfaced: 10/10 Easily one of the best on the album. Amazing lyrics.

6. A Space to Grow: 8/10 Its a good song, but a little slow.

7. Reach for the Sun: 10/10 "See, I got lost in the sound..." I get lost in the catchy guitars and lyrics. A worthy title song.

8. The Permanent Rain: 10/10 I don't know how to describe it and do justice.

9. Northern Lights: 8/10 Slower song, but fits in nicely.

10. This Is War: 8.5/10 Good song, catchy chorus, but not the strongest verses.

11. Never Feel Alone: 8.5/10 Good closer. Left me wanting more.

Overall, a solid album that delivers. The maturity and quality of the music is uncommon and refreshing. A great start to hopefully a long career. Keep doing what you do, kiddos.

-Dan

Author's Rating
----------------------------

Vocals - 10/10
Musicianship - 9/10
Lyrics - 9/10
Production - 9/10
Creativity - 9/10
Replay Value - 10/10
Fr3shly Uniqu3 Rating - 10/10

-Get Album Download-



>The Dangerous Summer - Reach For The Sun<

Kyle XY

Kyle XY
Television Review: Kyle XY

Though most people would get irritated if they were constantly asked to lift up their shirt to see if their bellybutton existed, but Matt Dallas, star of ABC Family’s “Kyle XY”, has learned to welcome it with his newfound fame. “I have now just accepted that it comes with the territory of playing this character. I have a feeling I will be getting that question for years to come.”

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity with a few others to ask Matt a few questions about the show and it’s third season, which he claims is “the most action packed and exciting season so far.”

Back in the summer of 2006, the first season of Kyle XY aired, gaining ABC Family their highest ratings ever. The show started as a mystery, with a 16-year-old boy waking up in the woods with no memory of previous life at all. Kyle’s psychologists’ family soon took him in, and as the episodes progressed, it was blatantly obvious that Kyle was much more than a missing person.

Lack of a bellybutton, being incredibly intelligent, and having the strength to jump off roofs were just placeholders for the things to come, as it was discovered in the second season that Kyle was “conceived” in a giant test tube and that his absence of memory wasn’t because he forgot his earlier years, but because he hadn’t had any.

Season two ended with Amanda, Kyle’s girlfriend, being kidnapped by Latnok, the secret society of scientists who had been watching Kyle since he escaped from the facility where he had been created, and season three picks up on the second half of the night, and the society that took Amanda.

Playing a character with no past and no common knowledge isn’t easy, but it’s one of the things Matt Dallas loves about working on the show. “I would have to say I have two favorite parts about being on the show. The cast and crew being the first. They are all so great and we have the best time working on the show. Second would be the fact that I got to take this character and develop him from nothing. I got to be such a big part in the creation of him.”

When asked how he developed the character though, Matt admitted it wasn’t just him. “Well, I had many conversations with the writers and creators of the show and we discussed the best direction for him. It was a little tricky at first because they wouldn't let me in on the secret of who Kyle was and where he came from, but we knew there was something special in his unique take on the world and we wanted to keep this kind of youthful aspect to the character.”

The show, Kyle Xy, has been cancelled, but that doesn’t mean fans have given up. Petitions have been formed to “Save The Tub”, and you can help the efforts at www.kylexy.net.

-Alex

Author's Rating
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9/10